i was first diagnosed with hiv in jan. 1996 - TheBody.com's Bulletin Boards

Hi! My name is Chris and I was first diagnosed with HIV in
January of 1996. My CD4 count was 58. I had just moved to Rio
Rancho, NM from Chicago to be with family because I knew
something was very wrong. I was hospitalized for 5 days then
released and put on an AZT/3TC/Saquinavir combo along with
Bactrim. After 8 months of adhering to the regimen I slacked off
and got sick again and was hospitalized with pnuemonia in
November 1996 and then again in February 1997. Viral loads were
now being taken and my VL was at 325,000 copies. I was living in
CA at that point and involved in a very bad scene all the way
around. I decided to return to NM in March 1997. After
reconnecting with my doctor I was then put on a new regimen of
Crixivan/Zerit/Vydex and Bactrim and Zithromax. I was also
suffering from clinical depression and with the help of therapy
and Zoloft really started to improve quickly. Just over two
months ago my lab results showed that my viral load had been
reduced to undetectable! A very emotional moment indeed for
myself and my family and friends. Even though it unfortunately
went back up to 600 the following month I am confident that with
my continued adherance to my regimen that I will continue to be
well and happy. I have also made a renewed commitment to working
out and exercizing regularly as I know that also helps on all
fronts. I try to keep up with all the latest HIV/AIDS news
available to me via the Internet but have been unsuccessful in
trying to find more information on something I read about
recently in my local NM newspaper. There was an article via
Assoc. Press about "fatty tissue deposits" that have been showing
up in people that are taking protease inhibitor combos. I will be
seeing my doctor tomorrow morning and will bring it up with her
(she's one of the top doctors in the Southwest; I wouldn't be
here without her) but want to know how many others out there are
experiencing this and what latest news is available.

I can be reached at ChrisSM712@aol.com. I am not working yet
because of my disabilities and usually check my mail 2-3 times a
day. If anyone knows of anything that may be of use to me in this
regard it would greatly appreciated! Thank you very, very much.

All the best to all of you out there.

Chris SM

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